On March 11, 2023, at approximately 11:20 a.m., members of the Winnipeg Police Service’s Auxiliary Cadet Unit were flagged down by a good samaritan to a City of Winnipeg Transit bus shelter at the intersection of Main Street and William Avenue.
A Field Training Officer (FTO) and Cadet members located an unconscious and unresponsive 28-year-old female within and recognized the event as a possible opioid overdose through their assessment. With the assistance of Central District General Patrol members, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was summoned to attend. Before the arrival of the ambulance, emergency medical care was provided with the FTO administering an initial dose of Narcan Nasal Spray (Naloxone). Cadet members administered five additional doses of Naloxone, resulting in the female regaining consciousness. She was transported to the hospital in stable condition and expected to recover fully.
The Winnipeg Police Service encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses a drug overdose to contact 911 immediately. The Good Samaritan, Drug Overdose Act, provides some legal protection for people who seek emergency help for an overdose and anyone at the scene when help arrives. For detailed information on the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, please visit Health Canada's website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/problematic-prescription-drug-use/opioids/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html
To reduce the risk of an overdose, never use drugs alone and always carry Naloxone if opioids may be present. For more information on where you can find Naloxone, please visit Street Connections' website at http://streetconnections.ca/content.php?navigation_id=2294
For addictions and treatment resources, please see the below links:
- Addictions Foundation of Manitoba: https://afm.mb.ca/
- Street Connections: http://www.streetconnections.ca/